John Fleck, Sheffield United's influential midfielder, is likely to be fit for Saturday’s clash with Preston North End if he misses Wednesday’s game against Birmingham City, Blades boss Chris Wilder has revealed.

The Scot was a notable absentee from the Blades side that lost 1-0 at Bristol City on Saturday, after failing to shake off a groin injury that saw him taken off against Aston Villa before the international break.

And, ahead of the meeting with Garry Monk’s Blues at Bramall Lane, Wilder said: “Losing John was disappointing for us, because he’s been in fine form and we had to disrupt the balance we had.

“He was pretty close to travelling to Bristol with us, so we’ll see how he is before the game. It’s not a two or three week absence so if he doesn’t play on Wednesday, he’ll definitely be involved on Saturday.